Flavio Cobolli is on the verge of achieving a remarkable milestone in his tennis career, as he now stands just two victories away from securing his first-ever Grand Slam title at the French Open. The Italian player has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament and is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of success — even embracing a unique superstition linked to one of the greatest players in tennis history, Rafael Nadal.
The 24-year-old delivered an impressive performance in the quarter-finals, defeating Canada’s fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets. The match showcased Cobolli’s resilience and determination, as he bounced back from an early setback to claim victory and book his place in a Grand Slam semi-final for the very first time.
Now seeded 10th, Cobolli is set to face fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the semi-finals, with a coveted place in Sunday’s final at stake. The matchup guarantees that Italy will have a representative in the final, marking a significant achievement for the nation’s tennis scene.
Arnaldi secured his semi-final spot under unusual circumstances. He was leading his quarter-final clash against Matteo Berrettini and appeared well on course to take a commanding two-set advantage. However, Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, was forced to retire from the match due to a hip injury, allowing Arnaldi to advance.
Cobolli’s journey to the semi-finals has been characterized not only by his strong performances on the court but also by his adherence to a series of personal routines and superstitions. During his on-court interview, he shared some of these habits, which include sticking to the same restaurant, ordering the same meals, maintaining consistent racquet tension regardless of playing conditions, and following a fixed post-match routine.
When asked to elaborate further during a press conference, Cobolli admitted that while he is somewhat superstitious, he has taken it a step further during this tournament.
“I’m a little bit superstitious, but not excessively,” he explained with a smile. “This week, though, I might be a bit more than usual. I’ve been going to the same restaurant, eating the same food, and even using the same shower.”
This mention of the shower led to an amusing anecdote involving Rafael Nadal, the legendary 14-time French Open champion. Cobolli recalled an incident from a previous tournament when he happened to be using a particular shower cubicle at Roland Garros — only to have Nadal knock on the door, asking him to hurry up.
According to Cobolli, Nadal told him that the cubicle had effectively been “his” for 14 years, highlighting just how deeply rooted routines and habits can be for elite athletes. Since then, Cobolli has embraced the same shower as part of his own routine, joking that it might be one of the reasons behind his current success.
On the court, Cobolli demonstrated remarkable composure and fighting spirit in his quarter-final match. After losing the first set 4-6 in challenging windy conditions, he regrouped and adjusted his approach. The early stages of the match were difficult for both players, as strong winds made it hard to control shots and maintain consistency.
Recognizing the need for a change, Cobolli took a brief break to collect his thoughts and reset his mindset. He later revealed that he used this moment to remind himself of the significance of the occasion and the opportunity in front of him.
“I told myself that this is one of the best courts I’ve ever played on and that I have the chance to show my best tennis here,” he said. “I needed to fight and give everything because this could be the opportunity of my life.”
His determination paid off as he rallied to win the second set 6-4, overturning an early deficit by stringing together four consecutive games. With momentum now on his side, Cobolli continued to apply pressure in the third and fourth sets.
Each of those sets was tightly contested, but a single break of serve in each proved decisive. Cobolli maintained his composure and executed his game plan effectively, ultimately securing victory after three hours and 24 minutes of intense competition.
This win not only propelled him into the semi-finals but also positioned him for a significant leap in the world rankings. Cobolli is set to break into the top 10 for the first time in his career, provided that Jakub Mensik does not go on to win the title in Paris.
The tournament has already been filled with surprises, including the early exit of top contender Jannik Sinner and the withdrawal of Lorenzo Musetti due to injury. As a result, the draw has opened up considerably, giving players like Cobolli and Arnaldi a golden opportunity to make history.
With Auger-Aliassime’s elimination, Cobolli and second seed Alexander Zverev are now the only remaining top-10 seeds in the men’s draw. This further highlights the unpredictable nature of the competition and the chance for a new champion to emerge.
As Cobolli prepares for his semi-final clash, he carries not only the hopes of his nation but also the confidence gained from his recent performances. His blend of skill, determination, and unique routines has made him one of the standout players of this year’s tournament.
Whether it’s his disciplined approach to preparation or his lighthearted embrace of superstition — including following in Nadal’s footsteps in more ways than one — Cobolli is clearly doing everything he can to keep his dream alive.
With just two matches separating him from Grand Slam glory, all eyes will be on the young Italian to see if he can continue his remarkable run and etch his name into tennis history.
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